Battery Jump Starter FAQ

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Here is a list of some basic questions about a jump starter

Q. What is the ideal use for a jump starter?

A. A jump starter performs strongly when a vehicle’s battery needs an extra boost
because a light or radio was left on, or when a vehicle has been sitting for a long period
of time. A jump starter will start vehicles without any other batteries present but
the primary use is for an extra boost.

Q. Will a jump starter start every vehicle?

A. No. In addition to a dead battery, a car may have other mechanical problems that would prevent a jump starter from starting the vehicle.

Q. How often should I recharge a jump starter?

A. To maximize battery life, charging after use is recommended. A jump starter should not be left in a discharged state. The battery in a jump-starter has no memory
problems and should not be treated as a rechargeable tool (cordless drills, camcorders,
etc.).
 

Q. How many jump starts can I get from  a jump starter before recharging?
 

A. A large number of factors affect this answer including the following: the length of time for each jump start, the charge level of the original battery, the length of time between jump starts, the temperature of the vehicles being jump-started (winter cold makes fordifficult starting), the size of the engines (4-cycl, 6-cycl, 8-cycl, etc.), the mechanical condition of the engine and starter, and more. These factors must all be weighed on an individual basis before an accurate answer can be given. It’s feasible to get 10-30 starts (individual’s results will differ) from a single charge, but this violates the rule of immediate charging after use.
 

Q. After jump starting can I leave the unit hooked to the battery to recharge my jump starter while the engine is running?
 

A. NO. Attempting to recharge a jump starter by this method is not recommended. Vehicle alternators output anywhere from 25-125 amps from the alternator. This charging rate greatly exceeds the recommended recharging rate for a jump starter. Charging by this method will result in overcharging the jump starter battery, and may void the battery warranty.
 

Q. What accessories can be used in the optional 12 volt outlet?
 

A. Any accessory up to 12 amps can be powered by the jump starter. This unit is
equipped with an automatic reset circuit breaker should the current exceed 12 amps. At the same time this limits any recharge current through the 12-volt outlet to 12 amps.
One can power almost any 12-volt tool or accessory (examples: torque wrenches, fans,
radios, cellular phones, navigation equipment, depth-finders, camcorders, emergency
power, trolling motors, coolers, small refrigerators, etc.).